ACTING is a family affair for the McGibbons - both parents and their children are to feature in a new BBC drama.

Nine-year-old Lewis is to take the starring role of Troy Johnstone in the first episode of the series, called Silver Command, which is due to be screened in the autumn. It is thought that the show will replace Casualty in the 8pm spot on a Saturday night.

And his mum and dad, Clare, aged 28, and 31-year-old Dave, and sister Abbey, aged seven, all feature in the same episode as extras.

Though it is a one-off lead role for Lewis, coincidentally, he also appears in the second episode, this time in the background as an extra.

Silver Command features a host of famous names including John McArdle, of Brookside and My Fragile Heart fame, former Casualty nurse Jonathan Kerrigan, Kaye Wragg who starred in the Lakes and Haydyn Gwynne, of Peak Practice and Drop the Dead Donkey.

Both children are signed up with the Eurokids casting agency in Culcheth which is now extending its service to include adults.

"The BBC wanted a little girl as an extra with her mum and dad," said Clare, "so Dave and I agreed.

"I was really nervous and I didn't think I would like it, but we had to play part of an angry mob and you just get into it and forget about the cameras. It's really interesting to see what happens on the set."

Lewis has already appeared on the small screen as an extra in Coronation Street and has done photographic work for Webb Ivory in recent weeks.

"Acting is definitely the road he wants to take," said Clare, "and he seems to be really good at it.

"He was really upset when he had to leave after filming was completed on Silver Command. He and Jonathan Kerrigan were acting like children together!

"Hopefully we will get some more extras work, Dave and I really enjoyed it. I've been waiting for 28 years to be famous!"